Biography of Billy Graham

Early Life and Calling

William Franklin Graham Jr. was born in 1918 on a dairy farm near Charlotte, North Carolina. Raised in a devout Presbyterian household, Billy experienced a religious conversion at the age of 16 during a revival meeting. This pivotal moment set the course for his life’s calling – spreading the gospel message.

Education and Ministry Beginnings

Graham attended Bob Jones College and the Florida Bible Institute, where he honed his preaching skills and received a calling to become an evangelist. He served as a pastor at a church in Western Springs, Illinois, before joining the Youth for Christ organization, where he traveled extensively across the United States and Europe, preaching to young audiences.

Rise to Prominence: The Billy Graham Crusades

In 1947, Billy Graham launched his first crusade in Grand Rapids, Michigan. These large-scale evangelistic events, known for their powerful sermons and calls to conversion, became Graham’s signature ministry. His use of innovative media like radio and television broadcasts in the 1950s further amplified his reach, attracting millions of viewers and listeners worldwide.

Championing Civil Rights

While Graham’s early crusades were segregated, his views on race relations evolved over time. He challenged segregation practices at his revivals, integrated his ministry staff, and even invited prominent civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to share the platform.

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Global Evangelism and the Lausanne Movement

Graham’s passion for spreading the gospel extended beyond national borders. He held crusades in numerous countries, including those behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. He co-founded the Lausanne Movement, a global network of evangelicals committed to world evangelization.

Published Books

Below are some of the books published by him:

• Calling Youth to Christ (1947)
• America’s Hour of Decision (1951)
• I Saw Your Sons at War (1953)
• Peace with God (1953, 1984)
• Freedom from the Seven Deadly Sins (1955)
• The Secret of Happiness (1955, 1985)
• Billy Graham Talks to Teenagers (1958)
• My Answer (1960)
• Billy Graham Answers Your Questions (1960)
• World Aflame (1965)
• The Challenge (1969)
• The Jesus Generation (1971)
• Angels: God’s Secret Agents (1975, 1985)
• How to Be Born Again (1977)
• The Holy Spirit (1978)
• Evangelist to the World (1979)
• Till Armageddon (1981)
• Approaching Hoofbeats (1983)
• A Biblical Standard for Evangelists (1984)
• Unto the Hills (1986)
• Facing Death and the Life After (1987)
• Answers to Life’s Problems (1988)
• Hope for the Troubled Heart (1991)
• Storm Warning (1992)
• Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham (1997, 2007)
• Hope for Each Day (2002)
• The Key to Personal Peace (2003)
• Living in God’s Love: The New York Crusade (2005)
• The Journey: How to Live by Faith in an Uncertain World (2006)
• Wisdom for Each Day (2008)
• Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well (2011)
• The Heaven Answer Book (2012)
• The Reason for My Hope: Salvation (2013)
• Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond the Now (2015)

A Bridge Between Faith and Culture

Beyond traditional religious circles, Billy Graham engaged with secular society. He appeared on talk shows, interacted with prominent figures, and built bridges between faith and culture. He advocated for peace during the Cold War and denounced apartheid in South Africa.

Legacy: Beyond the Crusades

Billy Graham’s influence transcended the Billy Graham Crusades. He established the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, a multimedia ministry that continues to spread his message. He authored numerous books, served as a spiritual advisor to US presidents, and became a trusted voice on matters of faith and morality.

Later Life and Reflection

In his later years, Graham faced declining health but continued to find ways to share his message through recorded sermons and initiatives like “My Hope America.” In 2018, he passed away at the age of 99, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of evangelism, social impact, and global influence.